Medal of Honor Vocabulary

The Medal is authorized for Located on the 3rd floor, the Medal of Honor is the United States’ highest award for military valor in action.  And while over 150 years have passed since its inception, the meaning behind the Medal has never tarnished.  Etched within are the very values that each Recipient displayed in the moments that mattered—courage,  service, commitment, excellence, duty, respect, and honor. A deep love of country and a desire to always do  what is right. 

any military service member who “distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry  and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty 

• While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
• While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
• While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed  force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.”